Revelation 16:3

Authorized King James Version

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
δεύτερος
G1208
the second
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#4
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#5
ἐξέχεεν
G1632
poured out
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#6
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
φιάλην
G5357
vial
a broad shallow cup ("phial")
#8
αὐτοῦ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#9
εἰς
G1519
upon
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#10
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
θαλάσσῃ
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἐγένετο
G1096
it became
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#14
αἷμα
G129
the blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#15
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#16
νεκροῦ
G3498
of a dead
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
#17
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
πᾶσα
G3956
every
all, any, every, the whole
#19
ψυχὴ
G5590
soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#20
ζῶσα
G2198
living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#21
ἀπέθανεν
G599
died
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#22
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#23
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
θαλάσσῃ
G2281
the sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection